Weekly Intent

"241 years ago a group of wealthy white men gathered to decree themselves sovereign and the United State was born through a Declaration of Independence. On this day "all men" were granted equality and unalienable rights toward pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness. There was no mentioned of women at all" -- Renee Sills

I'd like to acknowledge the great accomplishment of the aforementioned founding fathers in this excellent nation I call home. In addition, without sounding too bitter or vindictive I would also like to concede that when the image of the creator is a bearded white man it puts a cap on millions of men and women who don't look remotely like the image. In countless subtle social cues, made not exclusively by white men, we limit each other's capacity as creators. When you are rich and powerful it's tempting to believe you are God's potential. Yet, men, whose resources are scant and social expectations are harsh, are as much victims as women in this hierarchical system. It's neither good nor creative to impose social pressure on the men while limiting their creative mobility. Most of us simply cannot move socially upward no matter how creative we are. I'm visiting Thailand where some 58% of its national wealth is owned by the richest 1%. It ranks 3rd in the world for income inequality. Russia is the first and India ranks 2nd. Both are much bigger in sizes and populations than Thailand.

It pains everyone when unrealized artists become criminals, addicts, wife beaters, or insane. To change the images we don't want to see in the prison system, on the streets, or in the family homes we must create an inclusive image of God or creator which represents nothing and everything (zen and hindu have complimentary images). We are enlivened by the creative force. Creativity manifests through everyone and everything. It's our birthright to be creators. An image of a white man as the ultimate God represents an extremely limited imagination. It's ungodly. True creators are godlike--inclusive and supportive. They aren't just passionate about realizing their inventions. In any form of the sensory consumption suitable to their humors--textures, tastes, scents, sounds, images, or thoughts creators manifest products or contents that nurture the flesh, senses, mind, and society. Endeavors which harm the body and mind causing personal and social disintegration are the opposite of creativity. Creators are happy to be in service of others through creativity in order to maintain creation. As Mumford & Sons sings "the way you invest your love you invest your life."

It behooves me to reflect whether the content I produce through my writing, drawing, teaching, and even how I put together the images on my website represents creativity or a poor copy of it. Am I supporting life or harming my own and other bodies and minds? There're endless products we can consume and create. My husband just informed me about the new trend of creating multiple hair colors (yes, on a head). I sarcastically mentioned how the cosmetic industry loves to keep women preoccupied with hair and makeup trends. I'm all about self expressions but if the products are harmful and wasteful then they do not serve my creative process and I refuse to serve the people who create them. Here's my hair tip: use henna because not only it's a wonderful herb that keeps the hair and scalp healthy it gives a beautiful color. Self-expressions are creative when they compliment our uniqueness as opposed to masking it. Creators are intelligient consumers. Everything we make is transpired or transformed from something else. The higher quality goods and contents we consume physically and mentally the more creative we become and the better stuff we create.